WPR begins by explaining: “Wisconsin ranks sixth in the country for access to free preschool programs for 4-year-olds, according to the annual State of Preschool report from the National Institute of Early Education Research. The institute found 64 percent of Wisconsin 4-year-olds were enrolled in state-funded preschool in 2015, down from 66 percent in 2014, but still more than double the national average of 29 percent.”

But WPR goes on to point out: “Despite the high participation numbers however, the 4K program hit only five of the institute's 10 quality benchmarks, like class sizes of 20 students or fewer.”

Graue -- a former kindergarten teacher who is the Sorenson Professor of Childhood Studies and chair of the nation’s No. 1-ranked Department of Curriculum and Instruction -- then helps WPR put this topic in perspective.